Religious Studies Programs

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>So, I'm currently in my junior year at a smaller state school. I am a religious studies major and am also considering a minor in French. I'm just starting to look into grad schools (my goal is a PhD), and I'm honestly a bit intimidated! I guess I'm trying to figure out how to make myself most appealing to programs. Currently I'm looking at places like Marquette University, Boston College, St. Louis University (note the Jesuit trend). While I don't necessarily want to study Catholic theology, I am highly interested in Catholicism. I still need a little time to figure out my main area of interest (which I know is important in picking a program). I have looked into these programs some but I guess I have no idea what they are truly looking for in an applicant. </p>

<p>My GPA is around 3.5, but a 4.0 for classes in my religious studies major. I am planning on taking a year off after I graduate to do full-time volunteer work through either Americorps Vista or the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. I also have previously volunteered at a Women's Crisis Shelter for a year, with ESL students, and am about to start volunteering at a sexual assault treatment center as a patient advocate. I know none of these volunteer experiences are really "religiously based," is that going to count against me, making my volunteer experience a moot point?</p>

<p>The other thing that has me worried is research. There is a research requirement to graduate, but other than that there don't seem to be very many research opportunities for religious studies on my campus. Any advice on this? I guess I'm a bit unclear on that.</p>

<p>However, I am confident I can good letters of recommendation. There are a few professors who I've come to know very well.</p>

<p>Also...should I be taking another language? I was thinking of doing independent study of another language during the year between undergraduate & graduate school. I know the programs I've listed want general competency in French and German and in some cases a Classic Language, but I'm a bit confused on whether I have time to meet this competency during grad school or if I'm expected to have it before I enter.</p>

<p>Sorry to go on and on, I just am looking for a little direction/reality check. Are these programs realistic hopes? I know it's hard to say because I haven't taken the GRE yet, but I'm thinking of taking it next Fall and maybe again during the Fall before I apply to grad school. I also don't have my heart set on a Jesuit School, but it is attractive to me right now.</p>

<p>Thank you for any help or insights!</p>

2

<p>I direct a grad program in Religion. I am a bit confused by your post, however. You seem to think your volunteer experiences are relevant, but unless you are looking at M.Div. programs, with an eye to a career in some form of ministry, volunteer experiences are entirely irrelevant to graduate admissions.</p>

<p>You are correct in observing that you need some time to determine your intended area of study. The most important factor in PhD (or MA) admission will be the “fit” between your scholarly interests and those of the faculty members with whom you wish to study. </p>

<p>PhD programs in the study of religion will expect you to have reading competency in either French or German prior to admission. You will be expected to demonstrate competency in the other language during the first two or three years of graduate study. A certain level of competence in other languages prior to application may also be necessary, depending on your intended area of specialization.</p>

<p>If you plan to study Italian Catholic immigration to the US in the 19th century, for instance, Italian would be important (and Northwestern should be on your list). If you plan to study patristics, Greek and Latin would be necessary (and Notre Dame should be on your list). If you plan to do any sort of biblical studies, you will not be admitted to any graduate program without at least a couple of years of Greek and/or Hebrew. In other words, necessary languages will depend on your research area.</p>

<p>Writing a senior thesis would be a very good idea for you. It might give you an idea whether you really want to pursue the PhD, and it will give you the research experience you need. It will also provide you with a writing sample to submit when you apply to graduate schools. (The writing sample is a crucial part of the application package.)</p>

<p>Finally, no one can tell you if the programs you mention are realistic for you. You haven’t taken the GRE. You don’t yet have a research area. From your post alone, it does not sound like you are prepared for entry into a PhD program. This may simply be a reflection of your junior status, and your lack of research experience. </p>

<p>I also suggest that you take a class on method and theory in the study of religion, if one is available to you. You may also wish to consider starting with an MA in Religion rather than going straight to the PhD. A Masters program would provide an arena in which to hone your linguistic preparation, and to sharpen your skills in theory and method, and to focus in on a specific area of scholarship.</p>

<p>In the meantime, speak to your professors. They will help you immensely.</p>

3

<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>First of all, thank you for your response. I really appreciate hearing from you with your experience. If I appeared a bit over-zealous or directionless in my original post, it’s because I am. I’ve been thinking about graduate school seriously for about a week and a half at this point. Maybe I’m a bit green.</p>

<p>The reason that I mentioned my volunteer experience is for the reason that a lot of Jesuit schools (especially Marquette from what I’ve heard) put a lot of value in that. After talking with someone who is currently undergoing the application process there (though admittedly not to the religious studies program), she’s told me how surprised she is at the importance they place on it for graduate school applicants. I also know that to be eligible for a Fellowship at the University, one must have met volunteer requirements. So, in those terms I saw my concern about volunteering as relevant.</p>

<p>And thank you for clarifying the language requirements for me. I met with an advisor who instructed me to stop taking French as it was useless for graduate school. It is not imperative for me that I get into a PhD program right away. That’s just the overall goal, long term.</p>

<p>One question though: Is it going to look very bad to admissions committees that my only research experience is my senior thesis? </p>

<p>Thank you again, it’s a lot of help to me.</p>

4

<p>This isn’t the sciences where multiple lab experiences matter. We’re in the humanities where projects are largely done by individuals, not teams. So usually a senior thesis will sufficient for your research. It’s much more independent work than working in a lab with a team and we get credit for that.</p>

<p>You’ve got a way to go. Just kind of keep it in the back of your head. Bring it up when you’re registering for courses and planning your summer. Other than that, just enjoy your time at your undergrad :)</p>